n ancient times, King Almi ruled over the largest and most powerful of the dwarven realms, situated to the west of what is now the human-dominated city of Nevrast, and led his people in great battles against the duergar under their warlord X'all and against the drow. But though long-lived, dwarves are not immortal, and eventually King Almi died and was buried in an ornate mausoleum in the depths of his mountainous realm. Now, generations later, King Kerrin, a direct descendant of King Almi, rules the living dwarves above.

But Almi's soul did not go to a quiet rest: long-delayed curses cast by his ancient foes raised the great king as a monstrous undead horror, twisted and malevolent. The curse raised not only Almi himself, but also many of his courtiers and elite guards, who like him populate the depths of the mausoleum and mercilessly slay any intruder.